Politics
2027: PDP govs, Obi, NNPP mull alliance to stop Tinubu
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed the development after a closed-door meeting with Obi at the Bauchi Government House on Thursday.
He expressed his readiness to work with the former LP presidential candidate to give the country purposeful leadership.
The Bauchi meeting comes a few days after a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, vowed to mobilise opposition figures towards unseating Tinubu in the 2027 election.
El-Rufai stated this on Monday after switching to the Social Democratic Party from the APC.
“I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections,” El-Rufai stated.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the ex-presidential candidate, the Bauchi governor said he and the PDP respected and admired Obi’s political style.
“We have a lot of respect and admiration for him because of his style of politics, his statesmanship, his versatility, his deep knowledge of the economy, and his understanding of the country. Of course, he also has a clear vision of where politics and politicians should be in terms of promoting good governance, impacting the people, and uniting the country,” he said.
Mohammed emphasised that it would be a delight to work with the former Anambra State governor, adding that they had earlier met on the way forward.
“It is a delight to work with him and listen to him. His deep knowledge, statistics and so on. And we in the PDP, as chairman of my colleagues, we have always admired him and we have always shown interest because, behind the scenes, I have been meeting with him.
“This is not the first time we met. In fact, I met him in Abuja, and I was going to meet him. But out of his normal humility, he decided to come here and we’ve discussed so many issues.
“We discussed step-by-step challenges like the challenges in Rivers State. And I feel highly appreciative of what he is doing as a leader of the opposition. Because whether we like it or not, he is the leader of the opposition now in Nigeria.”
Speaking on his plans, the governor noted, “I want to say at this level, not to make some of those doubting Thomases and curious minds to pre-empt what we are doing, that myself as a person, I am ready to work with Peter Obi.
“And to make sure we come together, close ranks, and bring good governance to the country. We will give a vibrant opposition, with knowledge, with timelines, with vision in such a manner that we would rescue and recover our country from the mediocre parading themselves as leaders.”
The former Federal Capital Territory minister said the time had come for the opposition to work together to achieve their objectives.
“Definitely, the time has come when we must step out and do things with sincerity and focus. I think our coming together is a message and the message is going to resonate because all our colleague governors are behind this kind of journey because it’s a transcendental one,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Obi explained that he was consulting with Mohammed “as a critical person in Nigerian politics.”
He said the situation in Nigeria necessitated him to visit the governor to discuss the future of the country, hinting that more such meetings would be held.
“So, it’s just a consultation and discussion meeting that will continue to go on as we talk about the future of this country. All of you are aware of where we are today, what is happening, our country and everything.
“And if we have to discuss that, we have to discuss issues happening in the North. Like I have told the governor today, that the North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country.”
Obi further stated, “When people talk about the criminality in Nigeria, especially when people talk about the North, I said no, there’s poverty in Nigeria. You have to deal with the issue of poverty. Until you solve poverty, you can’t solve criminality.”
He said the government needed to invest in critical areas such as education and agriculture to lift Nigerians out of poverty and address criminality.
“But as you can see in the political space now, we’re not discussing all this. What we are discussing in political space are budget padding, and sexual harassment, whereas our people are hungry. We need to discuss hunger, we need to discuss poverty, we need to discuss education and health,” he added.
Obi revealed that the Thursday meeting was a precursor to other meetings with Mohammed as they planned to engage further about the country’s future.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has disclosed that he had the consent of former President Muhammadu Buhari to dump the APC.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa service, the ex-minister stated, “I left the APC with his full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party because I was involved and consulted with him on all my matters.”
He recalled how as governor, he submitted the list of his commissioner-nominees to Buhari to screen them and see if any of them had ever insulted him (Buhari).
“After going through the list, he nodded his approval and offered prayers. I consult with him in all I do,” he added.
El-Rufai claimed he knew individuals who paid for ministerial appointments in Tinubu’s cabinet.
“Did I seek to be a minister? I know people who paid to get ministerial appointments,” El-Rufai responded when asked whether he anticipated that people might believe he left the APC because he was not appointed as a minister.
He stated that it would have been easier for him if the party had sacked him, as that would have saved him from the stress of explaining his exit.
The former FCT minister insisted he did not leave the APC, arguing that the party abandoned him and its original ideals.
He said those who worked for the party were not recognised or rewarded.
Asked if he had any political godfather, El-Rufai said, “I have those I consult with in everything I do. I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do. My first godfather is Muhammadu Buhari. For the rest, I will not mention them because if I do, they’ll be pressured.”
Against the backdrop of insinuation that former President Buhari gave El-Rufai the nod to leave the party, the former president, on Thursday, stressed that he remained loyal to the APC and would keep working to “popularise” the party.
“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” Buhari declared in a statement signed by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
When asked if he regretted supporting Tinubu, the ex-Kaduna governor replied, “I haven’t regretted it, but I have been taken by surprise.
“Why I don’t regret supporting him is that some Yoruba leaders from the southwest had visited Kaduna and informed me that the Muslims of their region were being politically marginalised. That was the first reason I supported Tinubu.
“The second reason is this: We agreed that the 2023 presidential seat would be zoned to the Southern part of Nigeria for fairness, balance and justice in the country.”
The NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that the party and its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were engaging in consultations with other parties to unseat Tinubu.
Johnson stated that the party was being cautious in its coalition efforts, noting that announcements would be made at the appropriate time.
He stated, “Well, as you know, the electoral space is very wide, just like Nigeria. What I can confirm is that the party, and even the leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, have been in talks with various people, and groups and are still reaching out and being reached out to by different interest groups in the country.
“It is clear to most of us in the opposition that the people of the country are suffering, and that we must come together in one way or another to ensure that we end this mismanagement of our economy and other issues.
“Now, what I am saying is that not all opposition parties may be in the same vehicle, but we are working to ensure that a critical mass of opposition politicians in the country will be in one vehicle and will provide leadership for others who will come around to ensure that, politically speaking, we defeat the incumbent administration.”
He noted, “I cannot say whether we will or will not see it. But I can confirm the willingness of the NNPP to talk to others. That is already happening—talking to groups, individuals, or perhaps some parties.
“But at this stage, tactically speaking, we tend not to say who we are talking with as a party. But the party itself is very strategic, making sure that its steps are circumspect in what we do.
“At the right time, you will receive announcements and updates. But we are in the loop, we are consulting and being consulted.”
The Coalition of United Political Parties also confirmed the move by the opposition political parties to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The National Secretary of CUPP, Peter Ahmeh, stated that only a proven southern candidate could defeat Tinubu.
But the Peoples Democratic Party described its platform as the strongest to host other opposition parties in the fight for power against the ruling APC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also repeatedly stressed the importance of unity among the opposition parties.
On March 8, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate revealed that he was working to unite opposition parties in a coalition to remove the APC from power.
“Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties – the PDP inclusive,” he stated in a statement by his media aide.
In an interview, the CUPP scribe confirmed that consultations regarding a coalition were ongoing but added that an agreement had yet to be reached on the chosen platform.
He stated, “Yes, consultations and conversations about a coalition of opposition political parties to defeat Tinubu in 2027 are ongoing.
“The opposition parties need to come together, and they must also take into consideration that there is a quiet agreement between the South and the North that power shall continue to rotate.
“I am very sure 100 per cent that if a northern candidate appears in this coalition, Tinubu will win the election before noon. So, the South should be allowed to spend eight years and they should also consider other candidates from other parts.
“We have to look at candidates with records. We must also make sure that the parties come together for the benefit of the masses, especially the suffering masses of this country.”
The CUPP secretary, who identified Obi as the only southern candidate capable of defeating Tinubu, urged the northerners involved in the coalition discussions to select credible running mates from their region.
He continued, “It was a personal decision for El-Rufa’i to join the SDP, which is within his right as a free citizen of this country. But that is not where the decision of the opposition coalition lies.
“Maybe he’s trying to bring the SDP to the table as part of the opposition coalition.
“But the issue with the 2027 election is that the opposition must take it very seriously because I know that, yes, the APC itself has been disarrayed, but it’s not something we should take for granted.
“The APC is the one that currently controls the apparatus of the state. So, the stronger the opposition, the better for the opposition to achieve this objective, the better for all in the end.
“If we have a coalition that brings in more northern leaders, it can bring in more interested people who can galvanise voters, encourage voters, and have their own voter base and support base.
“If the intent and purpose of those who are discussing the coalition today is to defeat Tinubu, they have only one choice: a southern candidate, that is Obi. So, the North should come up with a running mate.”
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the opposition political parties must set aside their egos and form a coalition against the APC.
The party chieftain expressed concerns that selecting a presidential candidate might be a risky move for the coalition and urged other parties to adopt the PDP as the platform for the coalition.
He said, “There are two sides to every issue. On both sides of the screen, you have a coalition, which in itself seems like a good thing because it brings most of the key actors together on the same page.
“But the danger lies in that level of cooperation and agreement—who will settle for which role, and who will agree to step down for the sake of the desperate politicians?
“I am not against the PDP bridging the coalition, but I am against people who should only be contesting for governorship or Senate positions in their states, in the name of the coalition, yet want to run for President.
“If we can truly understand what fits us, how to address that, and align our actions accordingly, there wouldn’t be too much of a quarrel.”
He urged those leading the coalition to be honest, stressing that the PDP was open to discussions and willing to accommodate all coalition interests.
The LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party’s National Working Committee was, however, not involved in any coalition discussions with individuals or other parties.
He described the LP as a powerful party and expressed doubts that coalition talks would be pursued by the party leadership, noting that Obi’s actions were driven by his interests.
He stated, “Our presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, can, in his capacity, mingle and discuss with like-minded individuals because it’s all about politics, and every politician is looking ahead to the next election.
“As you can see, many people are meeting each other and talking on an individual basis.
“However, on a party level, I have not seen any party, as of today, that has come forward to discuss coalition or anything merger with LP.
“Nigerian political parties are not run by individuals; they are run by a collective group of elected NWC and National Executive Committee members who sit down to decide the affairs and the next steps the party must take.
“As I speak to you now, the Labour Party has not brought up such matters in the National Working Committee. Therefore, it has not been discussed, and I doubt it will be.”
Buhari reaffirms loyalty
Former President Buhari, in a statement titled “I Am APC Member, I Like To Be Addressed As One – Buhari,” debunked notions that he was working against the party, stating that he would never abandon a party that gave him the platform to serve as Nigeria’s leader for two consecutive terms.
The statement read, “Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels, the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated what he said times without number that he is member of the All Progressives Congress and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.
“He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back on the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularise it.
“I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.”
Buhari noted that at present, he had nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave him before and during his tenure as president, which he considered as the highest honour, and would never ask for anything more.
He further stated that the pains taken by the founding fathers to establish a strong party to protect the constitution and democracy as a system of government were worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Despite the Federal High Court pronouncement against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Anambra state, the National Working Committee( NWC) of the party has issued nomination forms to candidates of the National and state Assemblies of the party .
Recall that the Federal High Court Abuja had ruled that Sen Emma Anosike is not the Chairman of the party; a judgement that is unsettling party in the area which the plaintiffs denied knowledge of the suit insisting that it is a kangaroo pronouncement.
The affected state executive members, Bright Osemeka, Mrs Ify Chinwoko Nzekwe and Amaechi Chinweze had contended that they never filed any action challenging the leadership of Sen Emma Anosike adding that they remain loyal to the Anosike led executive.
According to the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party Mr Emeka Okafor ;
“The Federal High Court pronounent did not mention the nominated candidates of the party for the National and state Assembly elections and we have issued nomination forms to the candidates”
“Again the matter neither joined the nominated candidates nor had any legal position on the primary elections of the party in Anambra state hence the nominated candidates remain our candidates for Anambra state ” he said.
Recall that Sen Emma Anosike as at the period of the primary elections was the Chairman of the party an exercise that was adjudged peaceful and transparent by the National Working Committee of the party and the Election Committee sent to the state by the Leadership of the party in Abuja .
Similarly, the expelled members of the party did not take part in the election following the suit filed by them against the party in Anambra state.
They were suspended by the party because the party found out that they did not explore the laid down avenues of conflict or dispute resolutions before heading to the Court which the party stated that it is against the constitution of the party which also stipulates outright expulsion.
Meanwhile it is not clear if the said Chairman of the party who the Court endorsed has taken over the party Secretarate in Awka , nor has he convened any meeting of the party; a development that has deepened the unsettled state of affairs of the party .
It is however gathered that sustained legal battle is on in Abuja over the said judgement as the crisis lasts .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Structures belonging the trio of People’s Democratic Party PDP, All Progressives Congress APC and Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC have been collapsed into the candidacy of Chief Chukwudi Oli of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Dunukofia – Njikoka -Ananocha Federal Constituency.
The development followed the adoption of his candidacy by a group made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Njikoka LGA, which is part of federal constituency.
Members of the group declared their support for Oli during a consultative meeting they held with the APGA House of Representatives candidate’s campaign organisation held at Abagana yesterday.
Members of the campaign organisation which is headed by a former chairman of Njikoka LGA as the Director-general (DG), Hon. George Ozor present at the meeting received the three structures into the fold of the organization.
In their separate speeches on behalf of members of the group, the leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and , chairman, Mr. Onyenechi Ezeaso stated that they decided to throw their support behind Oli because of his proven passion and commitment toward the progress of the various communities within the federal constituency, and, humanity at large.
”In this our group, some of us are members of the PDP, APC, NDC, and, other political parties.
”But we decided to come together, to support you because we are convinced that by supporting you, we are working for ourselves because we know that you are going to work for the progress of DNA (Dunukofia/Njikoka/ Anaocha federal constituency) when you get to the House of Representatives.
”We don’t want to allow selfish politicians who have been deceiving our people to win election in this federal constituency, again, because they have deceived us enough “, Ejiamatu stated further.
Also, in his speech, Ezeaso made it clear that the group was not an APGA political group, adding that the support of the members for the party’s House of Representatives candidate in the federal constituency did not mean that the members of his group have adopted all APGA candidates.
Expressing gratitude to members of the group for trusting him, Oli pledged that he would not disappoint them if elected.
He said that his political mantra was anchored on “accountability, transparency, togetherness, and, touching lives”.
He vowed that if elected into the House of Representatives he would not use his position to pursue personal gains, but, would deploy his capacity and influence to the development of the federal constituency while awaiting for the divine reward.Stating that he would be guided by the philosophy of his mentor, the state-born popular oil mongul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, Oli pledged that when elected the ordinary people in the federal constituency would breath fresh air, and, life made worth living for them.
Chairman of the campaign organisation, Chief Ozor, and, chairman of APGA in Njikoka LGA, Hon. Chinedu Anakwe eulogised members of the group for the confidence they reposed in Oli.
”We know that this federal constituency election will be one of the toughest elections in Anambra state, but, because we know the capacity of your leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and, some of you we have no doubt that the fight has been made a lot easier and our victory assured”, Ozor stated.
The APGA chairman in Njikoka described the support of members of the group as a source of great courage, and, moral boost for the party and the House of Representatives candidate, and, indeed, other candidates of the party in the area, including for the senate , Hon Dozie Nwankwo.
Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators chanting slogans while calling for a review of the party’s decision, although the authenticity and context of the footage could not immediately be independently verified.
Political observers said the protest exposed growing tensions between rival blocs within the state chapter of the APC, with disagreements centring on the selection of candidates and the influence of senior party figures.State & Local Government
While some party members alleged that Dr. Osamaye sympathised with the protesters, others insisted there was no evidence that she organised or officially endorsed the demonstration. The commissioner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A source in the governor’s camp reiterated Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s administration’s commitment to party discipline, saying all public office holders were expected to support decisions reached through established party structures.
“We remain committed to unity, discipline and due process. Anyone with concerns should utilise the internal mechanisms provided by the party rather than actions capable of creating public misunderstanding,” the source said.City & Local Guides
The APC’s state chapter also appealed for calm, urging members to avoid inflammatory rhetoric while internal consultations continued. Party officials maintained that disagreements over candidate selection should be resolved through dialogue and existing dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Political analysts noted that disputes over endorsements are common during election cycles, particularly where multiple aspirants command significant grassroots support. They warned that unresolved disagreements could undermine party cohesion and distract from preparations for the general election.Government
Although the immediate political consequences remain uncertain, observers said the episode illustrates the delicate balance party leaders must strike between enforcing discipline and accommodating internal dissent. Whether the disagreement develops into a broader political crisis is likely to depend on the outcome of ongoing consultations among key stakeholders in the party.State & Local Government.
Politics
Umahi Vs Nwifuru: Gov’s candidate dropped as APC Forwards Approved National Assembly Candidates List to INEC (See List)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally submitted its approved list of candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman and marked for the attention of the Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), the ruling party said the submission followed the conclusion of appeals arising from its primary elections.
According to the letter, the reports of the Appeal Committees were reviewed and subsequently approved by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), making them the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.
The APC stated that the submission was made in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines.
The party forwarded the names of candidates for seven Senatorial Districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies, requesting the electoral commission to take the necessary action.
The letter was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
One of the striking names dropped by the party is the name of Member representing Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Barr. Iduma Igariwey an ally of the Governor.
His replacement with Dave Umahi’s candidate Ekumankama Joseph has once again brought to the fore the silent war between Governor Nwifuru and the Minster for Works, and former governor Dave Umahi.
Observers see this as a major victory for Umahi who had earlier questioned the governor’s consensus decisions which his camp alleged did not follow extensive consultations with major stakeholders.
It also sets the stage for a volatile political atmosphere in Ebonyi ahead the 2027 elections.
See List:
Waiting has ended as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has effected a sweeping substitution of its National Assembly candidates in Ondo State, replacing eight candidates who were declared during the primaries, following the review of petitions arising from the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
The changes were conveyed in a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), forwarding the party’s approved list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates after the determination of appeals by the Primary Election Appeal Committees.
The letter, signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the reviewed list represented the final position of the party on the affected constituencies after the reports of the appeal committees were considered and approved by the National Working Committee in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
The review produced major changes in Ondo State, with the party replacing two of its three senatorial candidates and all six House of Representatives candidates affected by the appeals.
For the Senate, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the APC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba emerged in place of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for Ondo North Senatorial District. The Ondo South Senatorial ticket was unaffected by the review with Hon. Kekemeke as candidate.
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke for Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso displaced Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
The NWC also substituted Hon. Kayode Adejana with Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency and replaced Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola with Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.
Similarly, Dr. Abiola Makinde lost the APC ticket for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency to Hon. Dr. Michael Olamidotun Akintomide, while Oyerinmade Matthew was replaced by Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
The extensive substitutions make Ondo one of the states most affected by the APC’s post-primary appeal process, effectively overturning the outcomes of several constituency primaries conducted earlier by the party.
However, the results of other four candidates were not changed, namely; Isaacs Kekemeke remains the candidate for Ondo South; Ifeoluwa Ehindero for Akoko Northeast/Northwest federal constituency; Adegboyega Adefarati for Akoko Southwest/Southeast federal constituency and the only female, Omowummi Olatunji for Akure North/South federal constituency.
The development is expected to generate fresh political intrigue within the Ondo APC, as many of the aspirants whose victories were reversed had earlier celebrated their emergence from the party primaries.
The revised list has now been forwarded to INEC as the APC’s final position on the affected National Assembly constituencies, although the changes could trigger fresh legal battles from aggrieved aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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